São Miguel & Pico: 8-Day Island-Hopping
Day By Day Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrival in São Miguel Island
Welcome to São Miguel, the green island of the Azores, and the first stop of your unforgettable adventure!)
We've arranged your airport transfer, so you can relax and start soaking up the beauty of the island as soon as you arrive.
What are you most excited to see or do in São Miguel? We have plenty of recommendations to share! Suggestion for the day:
- Take the day to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene.
- Portas da Cidade
- Louvre Michaelense
- Pineapple Plantations
- Matriz Church
- Take the day to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene.
- Day 2 Flight to Pico Pico Island
Welcome to the Island of the Mountain! Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car at let the fun start.
Suggestion for the day:
- Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants. Madalena is known for its picturesque harbor, framed by the iconic silhouette of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
- In the late afternoon, make your way to Cella Bar for an unforgettable front-row sunset experience. Nestled along the rugged coastline, Cella Bar offers a unique architectural design, with its striking white structure seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape
- Day 3 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)
Suggestion for the day (explore Pico Island)
- Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
- Get Lost in the Beauty of Vinhas da Criação Velha: Explore the historic vineyards of Criação Velha on Pico Island, where centuries-old traditions meet stunning volcanic landscapes. These meticulously crafted vineyards, nestled amidst rugged terrain and volcanic soil, produce exceptional wines renowned for their unique terroir. Experience the rich heritage of winemaking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you stroll through the picturesque rows of vines, soaking in the beauty and history of Pico's viticulture.
- Pico Wine Museum: The Museu do Vinho is situated in a former winery and Carmelite convent near Madalena's city center. This museum showcases the island's wine-making history, displaying traditional wineries, barrels, and tools used for wine production.
- Day 3 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)
Suggestion for the day:
- Day Trip to Faial Island (a short ferry trip away): Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover the island like a heavenly floral blanket in the summer months, Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1957 and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation that prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in 1958 by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected. Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world.
The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.
- Day 4 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico)
Suggestion for the day:
- Take a Day Trip to São Jorge Island (a short ferry trip away): São Jorge, a small but iconic island, boasts dramatic landscapes with its rugged mountains, deep ravines, and unique fajãs formed by lava flow. These picturesque plains, such as Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Santo Cristo, offer ideal spots to immerse yourself in the island's abundant natural beauty. Renowned for outdoor activities like mountain biking, canyoning, and hiking, São Jorge also delights visitors with its famed Queijo São Jorge cheese, known for its robust, tangy flavor.
The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.
- Day 5 Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)
Suggestion for the day:
- Today is dedicated to exploring Pico's rich winemaking heritage. Head to a renowned winery (many offer tours and tastings) and learn about the unique Verdelho grape varietal that thrives in the volcanic soil. Savor a variety of Pico wines, appreciating their distinct flavors and characteristics.
- Then, find a charming cafe or a scenic spot overlooking the vineyards and enjoy a glass of Pico wine as the sun dips below the horizon. Take in the breathtaking views and savor the moment.
- Day 6 Flight to São Miguel Island
Welcome back to São Miguel Island. After you've settled in, here is our suggestion for the day:
- Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário, and the captivating Boca do Inferno Viewpoint. Don't miss the chance to venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a perfect spot for a picturesque sunset. While in the western part of the island, treat yourself to the rejuvenating experience of an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
- Day 7 Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)
Suggestion for the day:
- Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas: Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
- Day 8 Return Flight Home
Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to being your travel companion again in the future!
The Azores: a 7-night island hopping getaway!
Why we love this deal:
Immerse yourself in the essence of the Azores Islands with our island-hopping itinerary to Pico and São Miguel Islands. Begin your journey by delving into the world of Pico's renowned wine during your 4-night stay, celebrated for its unique cultivation amidst the sun and sea. Don't miss iconic spots like Lagoa do Capitão, Cachorro, and the Pico Wine Museum, along with the opportunity to experience some of the archipelago's most stunning natural swimming pools. Additionally, we highly recommend taking some time to visit the neighboring islands of Faial and São Jorge, part of the Triangle Islands. These islands are just a very short ferry trip away and offer further exploration and enjoyment.
Conclude your adventure with 3 nights of exploration in São Miguel Island, where you'll uncover Portugal's famous sites such as Furnas hot springs. Explore lesser-known gems like Lagoa do Congro, Castelo Branco, Mosteiros, and more, as São Miguel's beauty reveals itself at every turn on this remarkable island.
About the Azores:
Often referred to as Europe's “Best Kept Secret”, the Azores have become an increasingly popular destination with year-round appeal for travelers.
Pico Island: To look forward to in your trip is a visit to the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico Island. You can also climb the highest mountain in Portugal or simply admire its grandeur from different spots on the island. Visit the interesting Whaling Museum and learn about the island's rich history and past whale-hunting traditions.
São Miguel Island: Marvel at the geothermal volcanic activity of São Miguel Island and its impressive crater lakes. Enjoy a relaxing thermal bath at a natural hot spring. Taste a delicious thermally cooked meal, known as "cozido", in Furnas, home to fumaroles and geysers. Explore the island's many waterfalls and hiking trails, visit artisanal tea plantations, and taste the sweet local pineapple, grown only in the Azores.
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more information and tips.
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